America's Got Talent picks guest judge to fill in for Simon Cowell

America's Got Talent has announced Kenan Thompson as a guest judge to temporarily fill in for Simon Cowell, who is stepping away from the show to undergo a back-related medical procedure.

Thompson, known for his long-running role on Saturday Night Live, will join the judging panel for the show's third round of quarterfinals on September 1. He'll sit alongside the show's other current judges as the competition continues into season 21.

This isn't Thompson's first time filling in on the show. He previously served as a guest judge back in 2020, after Cowell suffered a serious back injury from an electric bike accident.

Cowell's current absence comes as he undergoes what has been described as a routine procedure related to his back. A representative confirmed that Cowell is expected to return to the show within a few weeks. 

His seat remained empty during a recent live episode with the other judges proceeding with the competition without him.

This latest procedure comes six years after Cowell's earlier back injury, which required significant surgery and a lengthy recovery process. 

America's Got Talent airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays on NBC and is also available to stream on Peacock.